In this episode of *The Big Picture*, hosts **Rich Swerbinsky** and **Rob Chrisman** sit down with **Laura Schmidt** to dive deep into **risk management in the mortgage industry**. They explore the biggest risks facing mortgage lenders today and discuss proactive strategies for navigating an evolving regulatory landscape. Laura shares insights on **compliance challenges**, including best practices for **Marketing Services Agreements (MSAs)** and how lenders can drive growth while staying within regulatory boundaries. The conversation also covers **emerging fraud trends**, the balance between **risk management and business development**, and the **role of technology** in mitigating risks. With **AI and digital marketing** reshaping the mortgage space, the discussion highlights the **risks of unintentional AI bias**, **cybersecurity concerns**, and how lenders can integrate **digital risk management** into their broader business strategies. Laura also offers leadership insights, emphasizing cross-departmental collaboration and the traits essential for success in an executive risk role. Looking ahead, they tackle **future challenges**, including what lenders should prepare for in the next **three to five years**, the increasing complexity of compliance, and how internal audit teams can help businesses **adapt and thrive**. Don't miss this essential conversation for mortgage professionals looking to **navigate risk, embrace innovation, and drive sustainable growth**. 🚀 Watch now!

**📢 The Big Picture with Rich & Rob: Featuring Joe Tyrrell of Optimal Blue** Welcome back to *The Big Picture*, where hosts **Rich and Rob** break down the latest mortgage industry trends with top experts. This week, we’re joined by **Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue**, for an in-depth discussion on market dynamics, technology, and the future of mortgage lending. 🔍 **Topics We Cover:** ✅ **State of the Mortgage Market** – Are we seeing signs of stabilization after a brutal year? ✅ **The Rise of Non-QM & Alternative Loans** – How will secondary markets evolve? ✅ **Technology & Innovation** – How is Optimal Blue adapting its tech stack for the future? ✅ **Industry Consolidation** – What’s next for Optimal Blue beyond pricing? ✅ **Regulatory Changes & Market Trends** – What policy shifts could impact lenders? ✅ **Competitive Landscape** – How does Optimal Blue stay ahead of Polly and other players? ✅ **Big Data & Mortgage Analytics** – How are lenders using data to make better decisions? 🚀 **Don’t Miss Joe’s Insights on Where the Mortgage Market is Headed!** 🔔 **Like, Subscribe & Hit the Notification Bell** to stay updated on mortgage market trends and expert insights! #MortgageIndustry #TheBigPicture #OptimalBlue #RealEstate #MortgageRates #LendingTrends #HousingMarket

This week, Rich and Rob have an exclusive conversation with former Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria as they dive deep into the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Calabria, a staunch advocate for releasing the GSEs from conservatorship, will share his expert insights on the potential timeline, first steps, and whether such a move can happen without congressional approval. Mark, Rich, and Rob will also discuss the nomination of Bill Pulte as FHFA Director and what his leadership could mean for the housing finance system. Plus, they’ll explore how the broader Trump administration housing team - Scott Turner, Scott Bessent, and others - might shape policy in the years ahead. This episode is a must-watch for anyone in the mortgage or housing industries. It’ll cover key issues like capital requirements, housing affordability, and market stability - and even dive into William Ackman’s recent comments on GSE reform. Don’t miss this chance to gain invaluable insights into the forces shaping the future of housing finance.

This week, Rich Swerbinsky and (guest host) Robbie Chrisman welcome ACUMA (American Credit Union Mortgage Association) President Peter Benjamin to the show. Peter brings a wealth of experience and insights as the leader of ACUMA, making this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the credit union mortgage landscape. With more than 20 years of experience in mortgage lending and financial services, Peter is dedicated to advancing the mission of credit unions in providing innovative and member-focused mortgage solutions. As a Certified Mortgage Banker and a Six Sigma Black Belt, Peter combines strategic leadership with process improvement expertise to drive growth and enhance operational efficiency.

In this video, Rich and Rob welcome Ryan Donovan to the show as the trio explore the evolving role of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) in today's housing finance landscape. They discuss how these institutions have adapted to recent economic challenges, their impact on affordable housing solutions, and their partnerships with lenders to address market headwinds like fluctuating interest rates and housing shortages. They also dive into the regulatory challenges facing the FHLBs, particularly with upcoming policy changes and how they differentiate themselves from other government-sponsored entities. If you're interested in the future of housing finance, affordable housing, and the innovative approaches the FHLBs are taking to address these issues, this video is for you! #FHLB #HousingFinance #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #TechInLending #AI #Regulations #InterestRates #EconomicResilience

Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman are joined on this week's episode of The Big Picture presented by Depth by Floify's Sofia Rossato to covere major industry news, including Sandra Thompson stepping down as FHFA director and the CFPB’s recent moves—wiping out medical debt reporting and suing Warren Buffett’s mortgage company. The conversation shifts to the transformative impact of generative AI in 2024 and its potential to reshape the mortgage industry. Key points included advancements in system integrations, the future of AI-driven personalization for borrowers, and the challenges lenders face navigating an increasingly crowded and complex tech landscape. It was an insightful deep dive into how innovation and regulation are reshaping the mortgage world in real time.

Jim Park joins Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman on The Big Picture presented by Depth to discuss several key topics related to the housing and real estate finance markets, with a focus on fostering optimism and addressing current challenges. Jim highlighted the difficult landscape in recent years but emphasized the importance of strategic steps to rejuvenate the market in 2024 and beyond. Signs of resilience were noted, particularly in areas such as homebuyer demand and a steady recovery in certain housing sectors, offering industry professionals a reason for optimism. The conversation also turned to expanding access to credit, a longstanding challenge in the industry. Jim discussed how lenders and policymakers could responsibly broaden credit availability to prospective homebuyers, while also ensuring that this expansion does not compromise market stability or responsible lending practices. Addressing the growing age of the average first-time homebuyer, he noted barriers such as high home prices and student debt, but expressed optimism that innovations like lower down payment programs and creative loan structures could help younger buyers enter the market sooner. Lastly, the webinar explored ways to incentivize builders to focus on affordable housing. Jim suggested that targeted policies and incentives could encourage developers to build more affordable homes, which remains a critical issue for the housing market. Overall, the discussion underscored the need for a balanced approach to expanding access, supporting younger buyers, and encouraging affordable housing development, all while maintaining market stability.

This week, Rich and Rob break down the latest Fed meeting and its implications for the housing market as we approach the new year. Special guest Laura Escobar, Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association and President of Lennar Mortgage, joins the discussion to share her leadership vision for the MBA. She discussed key advocacy priorities, regulatory challenges, and initiatives to improve affordability, while also providing insight into homebuilding trends like labor shortages and sustainable construction practices that are shaping the future of housing.

This week Rich and Rob took a dive into the minds of today’s homebuyers with special guest Kristin Messerli. A trailblazer in financial literacy and generational housing trends, Kristin shared valuable insights on Millennial and Gen Z housing behaviors, financial wellness, and how these trends shape today’s home purchase market. From the psychology of financial wellness to empowering young adults through entrepreneurship and literacy, Kristin’s perspective will equip you with the knowledge to adapt and thrive in a shifting market. Whether you’re navigating first-time buyers, tackling affordability challenges, or simply curious about the future of homeownership, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

This week, Rich and Rob welcome back Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets to the show. As their go-to subject matter expert on the secondary market, mortgage rates, and the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market, Chris provided invaluable insights into the current state of the mortgage and interest rate environment. Chris has a gift for being able to explain the complexities of the capital markets in a way that's so easy to understand. In this episode, he shared his insights on the immediate future of mortgage rates and the performance of mortgage-backed securities, offering a clear view of upcoming market trends. The trio dove into how the new administration’s policies could affect interest rates and the secondary market, and Chris will provide practical market insights to help listeners make sense of what's happening now and prepare for what's coming next.

After political housing policy discussions these past several weeks, Rob and Rich are excited to welcome Bronwyn Morrissey CMB,AMP, CPC , a former mortgage banking executive turned mindfulness coach to The Big Picture. Bronwyn has followed her heart’s calling to help others reconnect with their true selves, empowering professionals to discover their unique gifts and create harmony and joy at work and home. Her incredible journey offers valuable insights for navigating the fast-paced demands of today’s world. In addition to Bronwyn’s inspiring story, we’ll dive into this week’s top mortgage industry news, stories, and rumors. With her unique background spanning Peace Corps service, yoga studio ownership, ultra-marathon running, and a successful career in mortgage banking, Bronwyn brings a fresh perspective to topics of mindfulness, balance, and professional growth.

Former FHFA Director Mark Calabria returns to the Big Picture with Rich and Rob for a discussion on a variety of post-election topics, including his thoughts on Scott Bessent being named Treasury Secretary, how a reduction in guarantee fees would impact Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s financial stability and their ability to absorb risks in the event of a housing market downturn as well as a potential conservatorship exit, what steps can be taken to ensure that an exit from conservatorship does not lead to a significant rise in mortgage rates, specific policy changes Calabria recommends to mitigate the risks posed by high DTI loans, how risks to Fannie and Freddie should be addressed by policymakers and financial institutions to protect the housing finance system, and how he envisions the next administration handling the supply issue, especially with zoning reform and incentives for builders.

We are super excited to have one of our favorite guests back on the show, as Mortgage Bankers Association President Bob Broeksmit joined Rich and Rob for a timely conversation on what’s next for the housing market and mortgage industry on this week's Big Picture presented by Gaffney Austin. Bob provided excellent perspective on how President Trump's policies could impact housing and finance, helping viewers make sense of the potential shifts on the horizon. He also provided a recap from the 2024 MBA Annual Convention, updates on important legislative moves, and outlined MBA’s broader advocacy initiatives as the year winds down. We'd also like to thank new show sponsor Gaffney Austin, LLC! They're the communication experts when it comes to marketing and PR for the mortgage industry and we're thrilled to be aligned with them on The Big Picture. Check them out at gaffneyaustin.com

James Dwiggins, CEO of NextHome, joins Rich and Rob for a dive into today’s real estate landscape, sharing his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing agents, brokers, and clients alike. James discussed the changing real estate market, key trends, and what's in store for the housing and mortgage industries.

This week on The Big Picture, Rob Chrisman and Rich Swerbinsky take on the budding topic of climate risk in real estate finance by welcoming Kingsley Greenland, CFA to the show! Kingsley leads the Mortgage Risk Analytics practice at Verisk Extreme Event Solutions. He has held various roles in real-estate finance covering origination, servicing, private equity, and speaks on climate risk, stress testing, catastrophe modeling, and insurance. He's one of America's most renowned experts on climate risk and what it means to real estate investors and firms.

Former FHFA Director Mark Calabria joins Rich and Rob for a discussion on GSE privatization versus continued conservatorship, balancing the need for accessible housing finance while minimizing the systemic risks, and mitigating the risks posed by high DTI loans, especially considering the current economic conditions.

FormFree's Eric Lapin joins Rich and Rob on this week's Big Picture to discuss why mortgage rates spiked after stronger-than-expected jobs report, how we should see help for builders regardless of who wins next month's election, how climate risk is reshaping the mortgage industry as lenders, insurers, and regulators adapt to the challenges posed by environmental change, and more.

Teresa Bazemore joins Rich and Rob this week to discuss housing solutions taking center stage at the VP debate, Bob Broeksmit mulling election impacts on mortgage rates and regulations at the IMB summit, and America's best path to affordable housing.

Jim Parrott, a nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and owner of Parrott Ryan Advisors, which provides strategic advice on housing finance issues, joins this week's Big Picture to discuss presidential nominee housing policies, the fair housing "letdown," and senators urging FHFA to phase in new energy standards for GSE-backed mortgages.

Bill Dallas returns to the Big Picture to go across the mortgage industry's hottest topics with Rich and Rob. The trio touches on the Fed's rate cut, candidate housing proposals, and more.